Karna ceased, Duryodhana's second brother Duhsasana, wedded to a sinful
disposition, then addressed his eldest brother and said, 'O monarch, O
lord of men, let those spies only in whom we have confidence, receiving
their rewards in advance, once more go after the search. This and what
else hath been said by Karna have our fullest approval. Let all the
spies engage themselves in the search according to the directions
already given. Let these and others engage in the search from province
to province according to approved rules. It is my belief, however, that
the track the Pandavas have followed or their present abode or
occupation will not be discovered. Perhaps, they are closely concealed;
perhaps, they have gone to the other side of the ocean. Or, perhaps,
proud as they are of their strength and courage, they have been devoured
by wild beasts; or perhaps, having been overtaken by some unusual
danger, they have perished for eternity. Therefore, O prince of the Kuru
race, dispelling all anxieties from thy heart, achieve what thou wilt,
always acting according to thy energy.'"


SECTION XXVII

Vaisampayana said, "Endued with mighty energy and possessed of great
discernment, Drona then said, 'Persons like the sons of Pandu never
perish nor undergo discomfiture. Brave and skilled in every science,
intelligent and with senses under control, virtuous and grateful and
obedient to the virtuous Yudhishthira, ever following in the wake of
their eldest brother who is conversant with the conclusions of policy
and virtue and profit, who is attached to them as a father, and who
strictly adhereth to virtue and is firm in truth,--persons like them
that are thus devoted to their illustrious and royal brother, who gifted
with great intelligence, never injureth any body and who in his turn